Orvis Helios F 7’6″ 4-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   I cast this rod with an SA Amplitude Trout taper and was surprised at how well it handled the long line head, feeling like a double taper at most distances. Smooth, controlled and with sensational feel, I liked this rod just as much as the 2-weight and would say it has a similar “medium action” with stiffness deliberately toned down to accommodate it’s sub 8-foot length. Many short graphite rods have a single sweet spot, casting with a hinge, because it’s hard to design a rod that tapers finely from tip to butt with just 7’6” to work with. Nice job, Orvis. The Helios 7’6” 4-weight throws effortless tight loops from 10’ to about 35-40’, at which point it reaches the end of its range.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a very fun shorter 4wt rod. Unlike other short graphite rods that can feel overly stiff and soulless, the 7’6” 4wt Helios F is an incredible caster, has superior feel, and is perfectly tuned for small water dry fly fishing. This rod creates a seamless connection between the caster and the fly line giving you the ability to manipulate loop shape, adjust casts with line in the air, and put the fly exactly where you want it. I cast this rod with the SA Amplitude Trout WF4F line and was very pleased with how the rod and line paired with each other.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   I’ve never been one to reach for a ‘shorter’ 4wt, but this rod might have changed my mind. I found this blank to be snappy, light and very accurate. The rod is capable of 40ft casts without working overly hard and sacrificing a delicate fly presentation. The backbone of the shorter blank allows an angler to find the depth of the blank quickly and it will respond accordingly. There is a noticeable ‘pop’ to this blank that can shoot tight loops and would work to mitigate the negative effects of a windy fishing situation. I fished the SA Amplitude Textured Trout Standard line and found it to be a good fit overall, not too heavy nor too light. I have an inkling that the Rio Tech Trout would work well on this rod as well. For anglers looking to fish tighter quarters while still requiring the casting ability and strength of a 4wt creek rod, give this rod a look.

   Wes Yarnell (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 4 out of 5

   A fun little niche 4-weight that is tuned appropriately for its task, pulling a better fish out of a small space with a larger dry fly or small streamer if the situation calls for that. 7’6” is on the shorter side for a 4-weight rod. It could be clubby and stubborn casting, but no one would accuse the Helios F 764 of possessing these negative attributes. The springy sensation of the Helios F 764 is shorter and quicker while maintaining the supple lightness off the tip. This rod casts and recovers quickly with a penchant for slightly higher line speed. You get a bow-and-arrow sense of the line leaving the tip with a quick, smooth little load and line shooting out smoothly, held up by a nicely stable lower rod. Loops are held up well for a short rod, they’re tight and level and capable of reaching out. The rod feels optimized at expected distances and a perfect rod for bigger fish, bigger fly, small water scenarios.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 4 out of 5

   I found this to be kind of a funny little rod but super fun to cast. To me, it casts a little better at distance than in close which makes it a bit of an odd ball. I’m not sure in what situation I would reach for this rod in my quiver, however it is unique rod that caught my attention. I cast this rod with the SA Trout.

   Curtis Nelson (Telluride Angler)